Damian Lillard ties historical record in the NBA Three-Point Contest
The Portland Trail Blazers’ point guard, Damian Lillard, added a new achievement to his outstanding career by being crowned champion of the NBA Three-Point Contest for the third time, equaling a historic record in the competition. Despite not playing this season due to an Achilles tendon injury suffered in the previous playoffs, Lillard demonstrated at the All-Star Weekend that his aim remains relentless. In the final round, Lillard scored 29 points, surpassing Devin Booker, star of the Phoenix Suns, who finished with 27 units after missing his last three shots. Booker had led the first round with 30 points, followed by Lillard and Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets, both with 27 points. Knueppel finished third in the final with 17 points.With this victory, Lillard joins Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only players to win the Three-Point Contest three times. Lillard impressed the audience by making 14 of his first 16 shots in the final round, including a special long-distance shot. Lillard, 35 years old, suffered the injury in the Achilles tendon playing with the Milwaukee Bucks. He was released and signed a three-year contract with Portland, the team he returns to for a new stage. The nine-time All-Star is expected to be fully recovered for the start of the 2026-27 season. Last season he averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game, with 37.6% effectiveness in three-point shots. Although his competitive participation this year may have been unique, Damian Lillard made it clear that, even out of action, he remains one of the most lethal shooters in NBA history.#DamianLillard champion for the third time in the 3-point shooting contest. #NBAAllStar26
Juan Jose Rodriguez
